🗓️Last Updated: June 2026

SSC Exams 2026: CGL, CHSL, MTS

Complete guide to Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams 2026 — CGL, CHSL, MTS, CPO, and JE. Covers eligibility, syllabus, official portal, application steps, key dates, salary ranges, and FAQs.

🔗SSC Official Portal — ssc.nic.in — Official Portal →

📋 Overview

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a central government body under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It recruits employees for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and organisations of the Government of India. SSC notifies lakhs of vacancies every year, making it one of the most sought-after recruitment bodies in the country. The main exams — CGL (Combined Graduate Level), CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level), MTS (Multi Tasking Staff), CPO (Central Police Organisations), and JE (Junior Engineer) — cater to candidates ranging from 10th pass to graduates. All exams are conducted in computer-based mode (CBT) with negative marking. The exam cycle typically runs from March to September each year, with Tier I (Prelims) followed by Tier II (Mains) and skill/computer tests for select posts. Results are declared on the official SSC website: ssc.nic.in. SSC also runs regional offices (SSC NR, SSC ER, SSC CR, SSC SR, etc.) which conduct state-specific recruitment for Group C posts.

✅ Eligibility

  • ✓CGL (Group B & C): Graduation degree from a recognised university in any stream. Age: 18–27 years (varies by post). Upper age relaxation: SC/ST +5 yrs, OBC +3 yrs, Ex-servicemen as per rules.
  • ✓CHSL (LDC, JSA, PA, DEO): 12th class (10+2) pass from a recognised board. Age: 18–27 years. Note: candidates who are graduates are also eligible.
  • ✓MTS (Multi Tasking Staff): Matriculate (10th pass) from a recognised board. Age: 18–25 years. Relaxation for SC/ST and OBC applicable.
  • ✓CPO (SI in Delhi Police, CAPF): Graduation degree. Age: 20–25 years. Physical standards (height, chest, eyesight) are mandatory.
  • ✓JE (Junior Engineer): Diploma or degree in Civil/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering. Age: 18–32 years.
  • ✓Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen. Candidates from Nepal/Bhutan and certain other countries may be eligible if they have been granted domicile certificates.
  • ✓No criminal conviction. Antecedents are verified during document verification at the time of final selection.

📁 Documents Required

▸Aadhaar card — mandatory for registration and exam hall entry
▸Graduation/12th/10th marksheet and passing certificate as applicable to the exam
▸Caste certificate — SC/ST/OBC issued by competent authority (Tehsildar/SDM), for fee waiver and age relaxation
▸Disability certificate — for PwD candidates, issued by a government medical board
▸Discharge certificate / domicile — for Ex-Servicemen category
▸Passport-size photograph — recent, white background, name and date visible on front
▸Signature scan — on white paper in black ink
▸Active email ID and mobile number — all admit cards and result notifications are sent digitally

💰Fees & Processing Time

Fee
Application fee: ₹100 for General and OBC category. Fee waived for SC, ST, PwD, Ex-Servicemen, and Women candidates. Payment via SBI challan, BHIM UPI, net banking, or credit/debit card on the SSC portal.
Processing Time
Exam cycle: 6–9 months from notification to final result. Tier I (Prelims) → Tier II (Mains) → Skill Test / CPT / Document Verification → Final Merit List. Appointment letter issued within 3–6 months of final selection.

🖥️ How to Apply Online

  1. 1Visit ssc.nic.in and click 'New User? Register Now' under the Latest News section
  2. 2Complete one-time registration — fill personal details, upload photo and signature, generate Registration ID
  3. 3After a notification is released, log in with Registration ID and password
  4. 4Click 'Apply' next to the relevant exam and fill the online application form
  5. 5Select exam centre preferences (up to 4 cities)
  6. 6Upload documents if required and verify all details
  7. 7Pay the application fee online (₹100 for general; free for SC/ST/PwD/Women)
  8. 8Submit the form and download/print the acknowledgement slip
  9. 9Download admit card from ssc.nic.in approximately 10–15 days before the exam date
  10. 10Appear for Tier I exam at the allotted centre with admit card and photo ID

🏢 How to Apply Offline

  1. 1SSC exams are conducted entirely online (Computer Based Test). There is no offline paper-based mode.
  2. 2Candidates in remote areas without internet access can visit their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) to complete the online registration and application process.
  3. 3For any corrections in your application, SSC provides a correction window (typically 5–7 days after the application closes) on the official portal.

⚠️Common Problems & Solutions

✗Unable to register — 'Mobile/email already in use' error
→This means you already have an SSC registration. Use the 'Forgot Registration ID' option on the login page. Do not create a duplicate registration — SSC cancels duplicate applications.
✗Admit card not generated or hall ticket not downloadable
→Ensure your registration photo and signature meet SSC specifications (JPEG, 20–50 KB for photo; 10–20 KB for signature). If the issue persists, contact the regional SSC office with your application number well before the exam date.
✗OBC/SC/ST certificate rejected at document verification
→SSC requires caste certificates in the Central Govt format (not state format). Your certificate must be issued by the Tehsildar or SDM and mention the Central List. Get a fresh certificate in the correct format before document verification.
✗Exam city not available in my state during registration
→SSC allocates exam cities based on available testing infrastructure. Select the nearest available city. You can check for city updates during the correction window.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the difference between SSC CGL and SSC CHSL?

SSC CGL is for graduates — it recruits for higher-level Group B and C posts such as Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, and Assistant Section Officer. SSC CHSL is for 12th pass candidates — it recruits for Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts.

Q.How many attempts are allowed for SSC exams?

There is no fixed attempt limit for SSC exams. You can apply every year as long as you meet the age and educational eligibility. Once you exceed the upper age limit, you are no longer eligible.

Q.What is the salary after SSC CGL selection?

Pay scale depends on the post: Assistant Audit Officer (Pay Level 8: ₹47,600–₹1,51,100), Income Tax Inspector (Level 7: ₹44,900–₹1,42,400), Sub-Inspector (Level 6: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400), Lower Division Clerk (Level 2: ₹19,900–₹63,200). Add HRA (8–24%), TA, and DA to get gross salary.

Q.Is there negative marking in SSC exams?

Yes. For Tier I and Tier II, there is a penalty of 0.5 marks for each wrong answer in most papers. There is no negative marking for the Descriptive Paper (Tier II Paper II) and skill tests.

Q.Can I apply for SSC if I am in my final year of graduation?

Yes, for SSC CGL you can apply if you are in your final year of graduation at the time of application. However, you must produce your degree certificate at the time of document verification. If you fail to produce it, your candidature will be cancelled.

Q.How do I prepare for SSC CGL in 6 months?

Focus on four key subjects: Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions Tier I), English Language (25 questions), General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions), and General Awareness (25 questions). Study standard books — R.S. Aggarwal for Maths and Reasoning, SP Bakshi for English, Lucent GK for General Awareness. Solve at least 30 previous year papers and take 2 mock tests per week in the last 2 months.

Q.What documents are needed on exam day?

Carry a printed copy of your admit card (if required by SSC for that exam), one original photo identity proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport), and a passport-size photograph identical to the one uploaded in your application.

Q.How are vacancies allotted — can I choose my posting state?

You can express state preferences during the application process. However, final posting is based on merit rank and vacancy availability. Central government posts are transferable across India — your posting state may change after joining.

📞Helpline & Support

  • ▸SSC HQ Helpline: 011-24361359 (9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday)
  • ▸Regional Office helplines listed on ssc.nic.in/portal/regional-offices
  • ▸Email grievances: sschqregion8@gmail.com (HQ); regional emails on the website
  • ▸Candidates can also raise grievances through CPGRAMS (cpgrams.gov.in) for delayed results or discrepancies
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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.